A screen shot from the video. (Photo: Screenshot: YouTube/Blabbeando)
The only negative topic you’ll hear on Welcome2TheBronx is politics because we still have a long way to go in the Bronx when it comes to our elected officials.
Here’s a rather horrifying tale from Politicker (who referenced a Welcome2TheBronx article) with video evidence of Assemblyman José Rivera from the Bronx talking about “getting laid with young girls”.
Assemblyman José Rivera said he did not mean to offend anyone with a bizarre video that appears to show the Bronx lawmaker discussing the sexual benefits of “mamajuana” and ogling young women in the Dominican Republic.
“Assemblyman Jose Rivera did not mean to offend anyone, if anyone was offended by the video,” his chief of staff, Jasmin Clavasquin, told Politicker this morning.
But Andrés Duque, who works at a nonprofit and blogs about Latino and LGBT issues, said he noticed the tweet and quickly downloaded the video. He soon re-posted an edited version that includes English subtitles of the Spanish speech.
The version he posted contains three sections.
In the first, Mr. Rivera, wearing a blue “The Bronx” hat, is shown strolling down the street, chatting with strangers and “enjoying all the beautiful things this country has to offer,” according to Mr. Duque’s translation, which was verified by two Spanish speakers at the Observer.
“Do you happen to have a little sister?” he asks one woman, who replies in the negative. “Ah, well, that’s my bad luck!”
He then approaches a vendor to discuss “mamajuana”–a traditional alcoholic beverage made with rum, red wine, twigs and bark that is a rumored aphrodisiac. The vendor explains the drink is made with different roots:
RIVERA: From different roots which leaves me feeling…
VENDOR: Hard!
RIVERA: Strong enough to get laid with all those young ones. (Said as he points off-screen.)
VENDOR: A child! A little girl! (He laughs.)
Still on the fence about getting health insurance before the March 31st deadline? Think it’s too expensive? Confused about the NY Health Insurance Exchange? Then join us on Thursday, March 6, for a FREE and informative seminar to learn more.
Insurance navigator Renata Marinaro (Director of Health Services, Eastern Region, The Actors Fund) will discuss how the health insurance exchange works and what your options are.
Don’t believe all the bad publicity! Find out for yourself! Seating is limited so please register so you don’t miss out.
Did you know that you can make a free one-on-one appointment with a navigator to help you find the right policy for you? There will be a last minute rush for appointments so we urge everyone to make an appointment in addition to attending our seminar.
The now shuttered Platinum Pleasure may even become a church / Image Credit: VIOREL FLORESCU FOR DAILY NEWS/STR
The New York Times is reporting that there are no longer any strip clubs in Hunts Point thanks to community pressure. Just 3 years ago there were about half a dozen of such clubs and now there are none in existence according to a recent Daily News article.
The mainstream media and certain characters would love nothing more but to sell you an image of a Hunts Point full of drug addicts, prostitutes, and strip joints but we know better.
According to the New York Times:
With its fish-market-perfumed air, waste-transfer stations and a moored prison barge visible just off its coast, the industrial peninsula of Hunts Point in the Bronx has long been somewhat of an indifferent haven for the city’s topless bars and pole dancing parlors.
With names like Club Heat and BadaBing, they proliferated amid the warehouses and next to the Bruckner Expressway after restrictive zoning laws instituted by the Giuliani administration forced them from other neighborhoods.
But one by one, the clubs began to close: Just two years ago, there were four strip clubs in Hunts Point’s 1.6 square miles. Now there are none.
The strip club industry is under broad attack in New York, as opponents have embraced a startlingly effective strategy: Spare the strip clubs, but punish their liquor.
In the last several years, community leaders have found increasing success petitioning the State Liquor Authority to revoke the liquor licenses of numerous strip clubs in New York and deny the applications of new clubs. The opponents cite crime, noise or other quality-of-life issues, or highlight a club owner’s lack of qualifications or possible criminal ties.
“You go after their liquor license,” said Rafael Salamanca, the district manager of Bronx Community Board 2, which covers Hunts Point. Mr. Salamanca has spearheaded efforts that led to the closing of four clubs in the last two years. “They can’t make any money if they don’t have a liquor license.”
Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda hosted the first meeting of the Roselyn Johnson Democratic Club today, with an impressive turnout. The assemblyman stated that everyone in the room was a democrat who had voted in the last four elections and all but promised everyone present Election Day jobs.
Many Bronx elected officials made it out to the club’s grand opening: Senator Jeff Klein, Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman and Party Chairman Carl Heastie, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Councilmember Fernando Cabrera and Councilmember Annabel Palma.
About 175 “regular” people were also in attendance, most of whom seemed very excited about pizza and coffee.
Some highlights:
—Senator Klein said he is unsure if State and Federal primaries will both be held in June, rather than Federal in June and State in the usual September; Klein said “it makes sense to combine the two and hold both in June.”
—Senator Diaz was impressed with the club and had no problem calling it “the biggest Democratic club in the Bronx.”
—Assemblyman Sepulveda openly mentioned the possibility of Councilman Cabrera running for another office. This had to be in reference to rumors about a possible challenge to Senator Gustavo Rivera, who was noticeably absent. Cabrera mentioned nothing about it when it was his turn to speek and came off very measured and diplomatic.
—Barbara Rivera (I think that is her name, but I could not hear over the crowd who reminded this school teacher of a typical middle school classroom) will be the new Bronx Civil Court Judge if the Roselyn Johnson Democratic Club and the Bronx Democratic Party have their way. She was already endorsed by both.
It looks like Sepulveda and District Leader William Rivera did their due diligence and sent invitations to triple prime democrats using public voter file information.
All and all, it would be a fair statement to say the Roselyn Democratic club had an impressive turnout. Just how engaged and active the “regular” people will be in a few months when election season heats up is yet to be seen.
State Senator Jeff Klein
Assemblyman and Party Chairman Carl Heastie
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For years I’ve resisted the lure of Don Coqui’s much hyped Puerto Rican cuisine of their other establishments outside of the Bronx but when they finally opened up in our borough —on City Island no less— I decided to see what all the fuss was about. This past Monday my mother and I took my father to Don Coqui to celebrate his birthday since he’s always wanted to go to one of their restaurants.
As you go over the bridge onto City Island, the restaurant is the second on your right. At first sight, it doesn’t really look all that impressive from the outside, but never judge a book by its cover. When we entered Don Coqui it was the complete opposite impression.
Immediately you see nothing but a large, beautifully appointed, dining space which seems even larger with its vast windows that wraps around the restaurant. Those very windows make you feel as if you’re dining at sea since it’s located right on the water offering you a beautiful view of Eastchester Bay.
Being a Monday and just shy of 5pm, the place had a few diners but as the evening progressed it quickly began filling up for a Monday night.
Once we sat down, we were served a basket of long, delicately sliced plantain chips with a regular salsa dip and a black bean dipping sauce that was simply perfect.
My parents and I had heard of the legendary portions that Don Coqui serves so we skipped the appetizers (which all sounded amazing) since we had our delicious tostones chips.
I decided to order the paella, a traditional Spanish dish from the province of Valencia which is very popular in Puerto Rico. Mom ordered the red snapper with yuca mash but was disappointed when our server told us that yuca mash was no longer available and going to be removed from the menu. She decided on the arroz con gandules instead but with much hesitation (why get rid of something so delicious?). The birthday boy, or rather my father, opted for the pernil y arroz con gandules aka roast pork with traditional Puerto Rican yellow rice and pigeon peas.
When the food arrived, we really weren’t prepared for the mammoth portions we were served.
The paella was cooked to perfection and one of the best that I’ve had in a very long time. For paella enthusiasts, the Don Coqui version is what’s called a paella mixta which is seafood and meats. This one was pleasantly filled with lobster, mussels, shrimp, squid, chicken, and chorizo. Meanwhile, mom and dad were very pleased with their choices. My mom, who’s probably the harshest food critic I know, had nothing negative to say about the food. This is a woman who is not afraid to say something was good but not great so imagine my shock when she told our server how excellent everything was down to the seasonings and salt. My mom is someone who doesn’t like salty foods and is often disappointed when eating out due to excess sodium used at many restaurants so this was a first.
We decided to end the meal (which we couldn’t finish and had to take home the leftovers) with coconut flan. Since the server had heard we were celebrating dad’s birthday, it was brought out to us with a candle and a few other servers with tambourines and maracas singing happy birthday.
Although the flan was delicious and we ate it all, we agreed that it was on the thick side and not the creamier variety we prefer, but again, we couldn’t complain since it was delicious.
In terms of service, it was perhaps one of best dining experiences I’ve had in the Bronx and that I owe to our server Christine R. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, Christine made us feel like family she hasn’t seen in a while and was happy to see.
When we sat down, she unfolded our napkins and placed them on our laps as she acquainted us with the drink menus. Throughout our dinner she was very attentive and making sure we had all we needed or wanted was at hand.
In all, we had an excellent time, received top-notch white tablecloth service and if all the servers are as excellent as Christine R. was this past Monday, February 24th, you can count on me coming back.
I highly recommend making a trip to Don Coqui on City Island even if you’re hooked on going to the other locations in Westchester County simply for the waterfront experience. The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect and is perhaps, City Island’s finest restaurants and definitely one of the most upscale eateries in the Bronx.
The restaurant features a bar and lounge area offering visitors to the island a bit of nightlife which isn’t found elsewhere on City Island. They also have a banquet room which is used to handle overflow as well as to rent out for special occasions.
Don Coqui is located at:
565 City Island Ave
Bronx, NY 10464
718-885-2222
Hats off to Don Coqui for bringing a fine dining experience to the Bronx.
I am participating in a program that a calls for MEN to participate in the the first annual “Real Men Read” initiative at PS 333 in the Bronx, New York. This initiative is to get boys interested in reading and encourage and motivate literacy in the lives of young boys.
This is the call from Luz Gerena, Parent Coordinator at PS 333 in the Bronx:
Good morning: My name is Luz Gerena, I am the Parent Coordinator at P.S. 333 in the Bronx. I would like to invite you to our first ” Real Men Read” initiative at P.S. 333.
For 30 years the Department of Education continues to research and report the following:
1- Boys score less successfully than girls in Reading tests.
2- Eighth grade boys are more likely to be held back than girls.
3- Two thirds of special education students are boys
4- Overall enrollment in college is higher for girls than for boys.
We need you to help us by joining our campaign and help empower youngsters. All we ask is 10-30 minutes of your time to read a story or a poem of your choice, Our goal for this year is to have 300 men read to our children. The campaign runs through March 7, 2014. Help assist us in redefining our students’ attitude about reading. Help our boys listen to multiple reading genres through a man’s voice. Encourage boys to read by you being a role model.
Please help our boys, our community and our families set the example that you are for all of us by coming to our school and joining this great event. I am sure that this experience will be live changing for many and will be remembered by our students for many years to come.
I hope to hear from you! Please help us make a difference! Please contact me at 718-860-3313 ext. 214 or at 347-984-7274. I really hope to hear from you! Thank You. Sincerely, Luz
Ms. Luz Gerena, Parent Coordinator
P.S. 333 The Museum School
888 Reverend James A. Polite Ave.
Bronx, New York 10459
Telephone 718-860-3313 Ext. 214
Fax 718-842-8734
If there are any MEN who would LOVE/LIKE to spend 10-30 minutes of your time to read a story or poem of your choice, then please feel free to contact Luz Gerena any time before Friday, March 7, 2014.
By DONNA KARDOS YESALAVICH
The amount of new retail space across the U.S. has remained relatively flat in recent years, but New York’s Bronx borough has emerged as a hot spot.
At least five major shopping malls or centers are under way in the Bronx that will add more than 1.4 million square feet of space, one of the largest local retail expansions in the country. Despite the swell of supply already in the pipeline, developer Equity One Inc. last week said it would increase the size of its Broadway Plaza shopping center by 33,000 square feet to 148,000 square feet at an additional cost of $13.8 million, boosting the project’s total price tag to $66.5 million.
The initial phase of the development, which the company says is 70% leased, is expected to open in the fourth quarter and will include a TJ Maxx store and Aldi, a German discount supermarket chain. The additional section will offer five to seven smaller spaces and a street presence and should be completed by the second quarter of 2015.
4,760 Solar panels at Jetro Cash and Carry largest installation in NYC of its kind.
The Bronx is greening.
One of the best practices and policies to emerge from the Bronx Borough President’s office is the administration’s fierce commitment to encourage construction of LEED certified buildings and green tech installations.
Now the Bronx can claim yet another first with the largest solar panel installation in New York City.
Jetro Cash & Carry recently expanded its headquarters in the Bronx and now is home to 4,760 solar panels soaking up the sun’s rays and expected to generate 1.6 million kilowatt hours of clean, sustainable energy.
As a lifelong Bronx resident, it’s pretty amazing to watch all these developments and firsts when oftentimes we can be last on the list in so many other areas.
So in honor of our latest accomplishment in sustainability, here’s a small list of some of the firsts in green and LEED certifications in the Bronx.
The first green roof installed on a municipal building in New York City was at the Bronx County Courthouse in 2006. The 10,000 square foot green roof was also the 2nd in the country in a municipal building.
Located in Melrose and completed in October 2009, the Eltona was the first residential building in New York State to receive Platinum LEED certification —the highest level in the program. The building is equipped with 10 windmills which help generate power for the common areas and elevators. It’s also a fully nonsmoking building.
Melrose Commons section of Melrose in the Bronx is the first and only LEED certified neighborhood in the entire State of New York and since it received this designation in 2010,it still remains the only one in NYS.
Back in 2009 at the ribbon cutting of the Eltona, it was revealed that 86% of all new green building initiatives were in the Bronx. Not quite sure what those numbers are today, however, all developments such as La Central and several others that have been proposed in Melrose will continue to aim for the highest levels of LEED certification. For example, La Central will dedicate 50% of its roofspace to solar panels and green roofs.
Alfred E Smith High School Image Credit: Mott Haven Herald / Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical High School is the first public school in the city with a green roof. Photo by Lisha Arino
Scene a Riverdale Country School where student Zachery Halem 18, has installed his "One Small Step"kinetic-energy harvesting tiles which convert kinetic-energy into electricity.They are in a hallway oustide the school lunchroom. Students walk on the tiles Wednesday, January 29th,, 2013 Bronx,,,New York,( Michael Schwartz/ for New York Daily News)
These are just but a few of the many developments and projects that are making the Bronx a leader not only in urban renewal but in the green sustainable industry.
This is something we as Bronxites can be very proud of and let the world know how far we’ve come.
According to The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the festival event celebrates the cultural diversity of New Orleans and the melting pot of traditions that gave rise to the city’s unique music. Featured in the festival are the music and dance of Africa, the Caribbean, the American Gulf South and beyond in this two-day, family-friendly festival.
And what an honor it is that the Bronx will be representing the diversity of our great City of New York in such an important cultural festival.
A drummer for Bombazo, Elena Marrero —a retired New York City public school teacher and affectionately known as ‘Mamarazzi’ due to her always carrying her camera and shooting pictures —is very excited.
Marrero, who started taking Bomba and drumming lessons five years ago at age 60, was spotted by Milteri at several events and was invited to drum for the dance company. Since that time Elena, who’s lived in the Bronx since 1996, has performed with Bombazo at Alvin Ailey, and at Pregones Theatre right here in the Bronx.
Marrero says she’s, “Ecstatic and honored to represent NYC and bomba culture at the World Rhythm Festival at Congo Square.”
Image Credit: Bombazo Dance Company
But in order to get there, they need our help.
The 22 member Bombazo Dance Company needs to raise $6,000 by March 2nd so that they can perform at the Congo Square Rythms Festival from March 22nd through the 23rd of this year. So far they have raised $1,090 on Go Fund Me.
Check out our interview with Bombazo founder, Milteri Tucker Concepción below and learn more about the dance company as well as the event.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in San Juan Puerto Rico and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
How long have you lived in the Bronx?
I moved to New York, fresh from high school in 2000. I’ve been a Bronx resident for 14 years.
Where did you get your professional training?
I’ve been involved in the arts since I was about 6 years old in Puerto Rico.
Seriously started training in dance and voice at the performing arts school in Ponce: Bellas Artes. I’m a classically trained dancer: ballet, ( pointe work) strong technique in Lyrical, Jazz. Also studied Puerto Rican folk dances (Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza), coupled with Flamenco.
I moved to NYC to study dance and continued my training in other forms such as modern dance, theater, contemporary, hip hop, Afro Caribbean and Latin dances.
I have my Degrees from Hunter College in Dance, and Biology. Been working professionally in dance since I graduated, as a performer, emerging choreographer and dance educator.
When and Why did you start Bombazo?
I’ve been working on my own choreography for little over 9 years as an independent artist, but I formally started Bombazo four years ago. I am not only a Bomba dancer but a ballet and theater/jazz dancer etc.
I found my voice and become a unique performer in the NYC dance community, by bringing it back to my roots. Bombazo Dancers mirror who I am. They all have a strong dance technique and can take it back to our roots.
Today, Bombazo is growing into an organization, where we not only create a new dance vocabulary with our fusions, but maintain traditional folkloric dances such as Bomba alive for future generations. We do this by giving Bomba Dance workshops, drumming workshops, community Bombazos, lecture demonstrations.
How many people are in your company?
We are currently 25 members.
How can someone become part of Bombazo?
Every one in the company has auditioned. I also have worked and choreographed for the Bronx community in collaboration with other organizations, where those interested have participated in events as community dancers.
Do you offer classes and if so, what type and where do you offer them?
Every Spring I offer a free dance workshops for the Bronx Community in different dance genres, including Bomba Dance. Currently I am giving affordable Bomba dance classes every Sunday at BAAD.
We understand that you make your own skirts for your performances as well as make them for sale. What are they called? How can customers get in touch with you if they want to place an order?
Yes, my skirt line is called BOMBAZO WEAR by Milteri® Customers can visit our website: www.bombazodanceco.com and click on the tab that says Bombazo WEAR and or they can email at bombazowearskirts@gmail.com
Tell us more about New Orleans and how Bombazo ended up being the only group from New York City to be invited.
I have roots in New Orleans. That was my father’s birth place before he moved to Puerto Rico. I attended and performed at conferences, where the arts community in New Orleans have seen my choreography and work with Bombazo. I am humbled and very excited that Bombazo Dance Co was invited to perform at the festival and honored to be the first Bronx based company to represent and perform in my second home!
For the first time Traditional Bomba will be seen! I’m excited to share a part of me and my culture with the New Orleans Congo Sq. Community.
Where have you or Bombazo performed?
As a performer I’ve been blessed to have performed in so many great venues in NYC and the tri-state Area. Some highlights are: as Josephine Baker, Tribute to the First Diva at Macy’s Herald Square, Easter Bonnet at the Minksoff Theater on Broadway and recently at the Latin Billboards as a highlighted dancer for Don Omar.
Bombazo Dance Co has performed at Lincoln Center, Summer Stage, Alvin Ailey Citi Group Theater, Pregones Theater, BAAD, Casita Maria center for Arts Education, At the Bronx County Courthouse where Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr. gave the company a proclamation.
We showcased for the first time Bomba at the New York International Salsa Congress, been featured on Bronx Net’s Open with Rhina Valentin and performed at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Hispanic Day Parade and Three Kings Day parade hosted by El Museo Del Barrio.
Where do you see yourself and Bombazo in 5 years?
I see myself continuing my legacy and sharing my voice with the community at large as a performer, choreographer and dance educator. Bombazo Dance Co will continue to grow, collaborating with artists to create and present unique productions, while maintaining traditions alive through workshops for future generations.
Presently, I would like to invite the Bronx Community to participate of our fundraiser event titled: Bombazo in the Bronx!™
Held on Sunday, March 9th at BAAD. 4-6pm. $10.00 Adults and $5 dollars children. I encourage musicians to bring their drums and join our drum circle!!! More info: www.bombazodanceco.com
A big slice from Dominick's Pizza on Allerton / Photo Credit: Robin Lee/Daily Slice on seriouseats.com
The best pizza conversation in New York City is one of those hot topics that can often get a very heated discussion going, like real estate and the best borough (obviously the Bronx) in the city.
Now the article is obviously biased and seems to have been written by Fordham University student since there was no other mention of the many pizzerias that dot our awesome borough of The Bronx.
Growing up and living in Melrose for almost my entire life, my hands down favorite still remains to be Yolanda’s on East 149th Street between Morris and Courtlandt Avenues. Sal’s pizza shop across the street (closed decades ago) was a close second in my book.
So what we want to know is what is your favorite pizza joint (past or present, we really wanna hear from Bronxites who no longer live here too!) and why you love them so much! What makes a great slice of pizza so great?
Image credit: MICHAEL SCHWARTZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The deer found its way into the upper Manhattan housing project, to the surprise of residents. (March 2012)
New York City Parks and Recreation began surveying the deer population of the Bronx yesterday and will continue to due so on a daily basis for week until this Saturday March 1st.
A single engine plane will be flying at approximately 1,000 feet over the Riverdale area of the Bronx as well as Pelham Bay and Van Cortlandt Parks between 6pm and 1am will be using infrared cameras to conduct the survey.
As the deer population has grown in Westchester County, along with human population and encroachment on their habitations, they have begun to seek out other areas to forage.
So if you hear a plane flying low going back and forth, don’t panic, the city is just checking in on our big old four legged woodland friends.
